Press & News

A Modern Roundabout Recognized as 2006 Project of the Year Award
APWA awards local firm for project resulting in improved vehicular and pedestrian safety

(Kansas City, MO) - The Kansas City Metro Chapter of American Public Works Association named the 133rd Street and Lamar Avenue roundabout a 2006 Project of the Year in the Transportation category for projects less than $2 million. The award will be presented at the May 23 National Public Works Week Luncheon in Kansas City.

In 2000, the neighborhood associations in the area surrounding 133rd and Lamar requested that the City of Overland Park, Kansas, make a change to the intersection adjacent to the Overland Trail Elementary and Middle School complex. The City suggested that a roundabout be constructed to improve pedestrian safety and address accident concerns at the intersection. BWR was selected by the City to prepare construction plans and specifications.

After an extensive public input period, the City Council approved the design of the roundabout. Construction of the roundabout was scheduled so it did not interfere with school operations, starting in the spring of 2006 after the school year had been completed and ending prior to the start of the next school year in August. Before school started back up in the fall, City staff worked with school officials to provide training so school children would know how to safely walk through the roundabout.

Currently, the roundabout is operating as intended. The traffic congestion that was present at the four-way stop has been relieved, and no accidents have been reported to the police since the opening of the roundabout.

About BWR

BWR is a multidiscipline firm offering comprehensive consulting services in architecture, engineering and planning. BWR has expanded to include 10 offices and more than 250 professionals nationwide. As part of the firm’s commitment to quality and innovation, they have assisted hundreds of clients throughout the United States in disciplines such as aviation services, environmental services, architecture and community planning. Please visit www.bwrcorp.com for more information.

Note: BWR recently shortened its name from Bucher, Willis & Ratliff Corporation.